It takes the first step to start walking. For Doreen Beatrice, Professional Ballroom Dancer and Director of the Step-N-Out Studio dancing became her first steps at an early age growing up in New Jersey. Her passion started in gymnastics and moved into modern dance while studying Asian Studies in college at Seton Hall in her home state. However, it was theater that drew her to combine all of the elements of what she is today: a dancer, teacher, choreographer and performer as we will see on Saturday, April 10th at the Dancing For The Stars benefit at Music Hall.
Doreen came to the Tri State to work for a Japanese company that utilized her language skills, but again, dance took over. "For me, I love the partnering of dance and the fact that there are so many styles" she says. This led her to start teaching and managing an Arthur Murray studio in Florence, Kentucky. In 1995 she partnered with fellow dancer Greg Underwood on a business venture and started Step-N-Out Studios in Covington, Kentucky. Two years later, she bought him out.
"I knew I had skills in organizing and wanted a place to practice and dance while I still get to teach," Doreen continues. "Step-N-Out is a center for dance. With the growth over the years, we now offer almost all kinds of dance from ballroom, salsa, tango and more."
Doreen takes her experience from the national and international ballroom competition in the Standard Division and now competes with her students in the Pro-Am Divisions in all ballroom styles. In addition, she produces and direct numerous local dance shows including the annual Winter Gala at The Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky which showcases all dance styles.
Now, Dancing For The Stars is on her resume for the fourth consecutive year. The charity event benefiting The Overture Awards is styled after the highly popular ABC-TV show "Dancing with The Stars". For over the last several weeks, Doreen and her partner, Marvin Smith, Owner and Chef of Ollie's Trolley have been working on the Latin Rumba and will compete against other paired stars/business professionals and professional dancers.
"This is such a good time. It's an upbeat and fun event," she says. "Plus, the stars get to see the hard work it takes to choreograph and dance."
The work is paying off as the dance community and the Step-N-Out attendance grows. Thank you or "arigato" Doreen for your passion to dance.
Go see Doreen and Marvin perform this Saturday. Information about the event can be found on-line at http://www.cincinnatiarts.org. Tickets at 513-977-4112.
Information about Step-N-Out Studio is at http://www.stepnoutstudio.com.
Diana's email: dhoffman5678@gmail.com/ http://www.kamasalsa.com
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